harmattan

[ hahr-muh-tan ]

noun

1. (on the west coast of Africa) a dry, parching land breeze, charged with dust.

harmattan

/ hɑːˈmætən /

noun

1. a dry dusty wind from the Sahara blowing towards the W African coast, esp from November to March

Word History and Origins

Origin of harmattan¹

1665–75; said to be < Twi haramata

Word History and Origins

Origin of harmattan¹

C17: from Twi haramata, perhaps from Arabic harām forbidden thing; see harem

Example Sentences

We’ll have the silvery sea that is imperceptible from its upstairs neighbor, the sky — especially when the dry, dusty winds of the harmattan season are blowing.

From New York Times

Desert winds known as the harmattan set records, blowing at more than 70 kilometers per hour across northwest Africa.

From Science Magazine

Farmers said more rainfall mixed with sunny spells was needed before the arrival of December’s dry harmattan winds for next year’s harvest to develop well.

From Reuters

A hazy dusk descends on Dakar’s coastal strip as hundreds of men and women work out, undeterred by the heady blend of harmattan dust and diesel fumes.

From The Guardian

The new harmattan winds blew dust everywhere, and Baby joined the thin children who ran around with their naked bellies wreathed in brown.

From Literature

Related Words

• sandstorm